HISTORY OF COGNITIVE -BEHAVIOURAL THERAPIES

Although its historical roots can probably be traced well beyond twentieth-century figures, the cognitive-behavioural hybrid owes much of its current visibility to a handful of relatively contemporary workers (Mahoney, 1977). The writings of George A. Kelly were particularly influential, as were the works of two of his early collaborators — Julian B. Rotter and Walter Mischel. In addition, Aaron T. Beck and Albert Ellis helped to emphasize the potential importance of irrational thought patterns in human distress and dysfunction. Finally, Albert Bandura was influential in developing a theoretical framework (“social learning theory”) that offered an integrative structure to these diverse approaches. Bandura’s book, Principles of Behavior Modification (1969), was instrumental in encouraging an interface between cognitive and traditional behavioristic traditions.This was accomplished via both conceptual and data-based arguments supporting the notion that human learning is basically a cognitive — rather than conditioning — process. Bandura was quick to point out, however, that these cognitive processes seem to be most efficiently activated by procedures similar to those employed by traditional behavior therapists. The opportunity for cognitive-behavioral interface was thus apparent, and an extensive literature was soon developed (cf. Mahoney, 1974; Mahoney and Arnkoff, 1978).